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VIZIO M471i-A2 47" LED HDTV


47" 1080p LED

120 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

3D Capability

No QAM Tuner

Originally released to the retail market last March, Visio's affordable M-series HDTVs let you choose amongst 9 different sizes from 32" to 80". Known as the brand's thinnest LED yet, this series features full Smart TV capability with WiFi connection, internet and apps, offering a fast 120 Hz refresh rate that gamers will love. The models starting with the 50" and beyond include 240 Hz refresh and 3D capability with included glasses. This particular 47" model, for a price tag of under $700, is a universally pleasing size for any room and has been getting sparkling reviews for its color quality, black tones, and near edge-to-edge screen design.

Understanding Today's HDTV Features

An HDTV's scan rate can be either interlaced (720i or 1080i) or progressive (720p or 1080p). Today, all HDTVs are progressive.

Understanding Those Unseen Lines
You can spot an interlaced set by noticing their "sweeping" or blinking lines (see "A" on the diagram to your right), especially if you're watching a video recording of a TV screen. It's not visible with the naked eye, although the strain they'll put on your eyes is noticeable after time.

Progressive sets, on the other hand, refresh every line every single time (see "B" on the diagram to your right), much like long, continual "sweeps" down the screen. A progressive screen means less headaches and bugged-out eyes, and a smooth viewing image with less jagged picture edges.

Summary: All of the HDTVs you'll come across these days will be progressive (720p, 1080p) - interlaced (720i, 1080i) sets have gone extinct.

HDTVs are always defined by the resolution, or their number of vertical pixels per "line." For instance, a 720p HDTV (see figure "A" on the diagram to your right) has 720 vertical pixels and 1,280 horizontal pixels. By contrast, a 1080p HDTV (figure "B" on the diagram) has 1,080 vertical pixels and 1,920 horizontal pixels.

Pixel Power
The entire screen of a 720p HDTV has 921,600 pixels (720 x 1280) per frame, and a 1080p HDTV has 2,073,600 pixels (1080 x 1920) per frame.The 1080 HDTV set is the better of the two, since "more pixels" essentially means "more detail."

720p Isn't Always A Bad Thing
The resolution and actual size in inches of an HDTV are not directly related. So, a 22" 1080p HDTV and a 22" 720p HDTV can both exist, as can a 42" 1080p HDTV and a 42" 720p HDTV. The difference in detail is not noticeable to the naked eye in smaller HDTVs, typically those that are under 40".

Summary: Screens are advertised with their resolution in "pixels." More pixels = a higher resolution picture. Smaller HDTVs (usually under 30") are commonly 720p, and that's ok.

Why do some HDTVs look so much better than others at the store?
A common sales tactic that retailers use to upsell certain HDTV models is to modify their video signal. HDTVs with a dedicated video signal are working at their full capacity, whereas HDTVs that are all using a split signal will have significantly less strength, and therefore, not look as good. Be sure to look behind the HDTV to see if the cable behind it is leading to other HDTVs around it (split), or,
if it has a cable leading directly into it (dedicated).

But wait, there's more! Some sets are purposely displayed with incorrect brightness and contrast balances. This is why some HDTVs look crisper and clearer than others: it's because the department store is trying to make certain HDTVs look more favorable...typically, the ones whose inventory they are looking to reduce. Don't fall for it! The best HDTVs in today's market have the reviews to back them up, and should never be judged on how a sales-heavy department store decides to display them.

About HDTV Warranties: Much like cars, an HDTV will experience factory or faulty part problems either right away, or within their manufacturer's warranty period (for HDTVs, that's 1 year). If your HDTV survives that initial period, it will most likely continue on without problems. This is why extended warranties are always a bad financial decision...but typically a hard-sell attempt and a good profit for the store that's selling one.

3D is a feature, not a design type; that is, it's not an alternative to LCD, LED or Plasma but rather a feature for them. Today, there are two kinds of stereoscopic (glasses required) 3D TVs: 3D sets that use battery-powered glasses that synch with an 'IR emitter' device, and sets that use the same disposable glasses you'll find at the theater. The latter of these two are more attractive, since the plastic pairs cost far less than the battery powered type.

"Dedicated" vs. "Conversion"
Additionally, there's dedicated 3D and "3D conversion." Dedicated 3D is actually processed using 3D cameras, and is the true 3D experience, whereas "3D conversion" is an attempt to create a 3D effect by laying a duplicated 2D image over its original. 3D conversion, in comparison to true, dedicated 3D is of lesser quality.

All 3D TVs have a '2D mode' that's comparable with most 2D HDTVs on the market, and can switch to 3D mode for broadcasts and movies. There are very few 3D broadcasts in the current day. If you plan to watch 3D movies, you'll also have to buy a 3D Blu-Ray player, and additionally, purchase all of your movies all over again in 3D Blu-Ray format.

How Will 3D TV Evolve?
Currently, a new type of 3D HDTV technology is in the works called "autostereoscopic 3D," which will be advertised to the public as "glasses free 3D." With this technology, you'll experience 3D by simply watching the TV without any glasses at all. There's no definite date for its release, but will undoubtedly make glasses-based 3D TV obsolete.

Summary: 3D is a feature for LCD, LED, Plasma and Projection TVs that can be toggled from 2D to 3D mode and back. It's quickly becoming standard for most HDTVs. Everyone in the room will need 3D glasses, and you'll need a 3D Blu-Ray player and discs. HDTVs with "3D conversion" have lesser 3D quality than HDTVs that offer true 3D.

We're at a point in time where many HDTVs on the market can be classified as "Smart TVs." This simply means that the TV has "computer-like capabilities" such as an internet connection, social networking features, digital streaming and personalization.

The Singularity Between TV and Tablet
Smart TVs actually have their own operating system and downloadable apps. Today, they can even be managed via a tablet rather than a conventional remote control -- their instruction manual will tell you how to get the app that will turn your tablet into a remote. Due to the popularity (and ever decreasing prices) of tablets, using your own tablet with an app to control your TV set simply makes sense. If this is a feature you think you'd use often, several of today's best HDTVs with smart TV capabilities already have it as a default.

How Smart TVs Work
You've already seen this kind of technology in video game consoles, and it's basically the same concept. Log in to your account (on your TV) and you'll be served up with a customized menu, where you can access your social networking accounts, apps and streaming programs. Even Blu-Ray players are getting these features. Smart TV is a great feature for anyone who doesn't have a gaming console, Roku box, or other 3rd party device that will let them access their Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime account.

Summary: More and more HDTVs are going "smart" and offering apps, internet and other interactivity. It's not a fad, it's here to stay -- and it's becoming standard. Many can accommodate tablets or smartphones as remote controls.

No qualms about it -- a QAM tuner is something you might really want in your next HDTV. It's a relatively new inclusion that we're starting to see on new HDTVs in 2013: a built-in QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) tuner will allow the cable guy to connect your cable directly to the TV, without any need of a cable box. As of early 2013, HDTVs that have QAM tuners surfacing more than ever: expect them to become a standard feature in the future.

The Ultimate "Nice to Have" Feature
Why is such a valuable feature? Well, your days of short-lived cable boxes and the frustration they cause will be over. It's well known that cable companies hand out refurbished boxes that go obsolete regularly.

Depending on who your cable company is, you might be able to get a free additional TV connected to your cable service (be sure to call your cable company and ask if additional TVs can be added for free if they already have a QAM tuner built into them, you might be pleasantly surprised!) This is why the QAM tuner is easily one of the best HDTV features, unheard of to most, on that long list of specifications that most people skim over.

Summary: If your HDTV has a QAM tuner, you won't need a cable box for your cable connection. It could mean a free additional TV hookup in your home -- no need for an additional monthly fee!

If the TV you're looking at has a glass screen (as opposed to the flatter appearance of a 'matte' screen - the typical type found on most LCD HDTVs), you might be in for quite a bit of unexpected glare.

Glass screens -- much like iPad screens or screens on many of today's laptops -- reflect anything and everything in front of them like a mirror, especially lamps and lights. During dark scenes, you'll be seeing your reflection, your windows and your lamps. On a matte (once again - what most LCD screens are), you'll see things that generate light, except they'll be heavily suppressed and far less noticeable. Just some food for thought.

Several of today's best HDTVs advertise glass screens with a more glare-proof finish, providing you that glossy surface with less ambient distractions. However -- if you had a choice, you still might be compelled to choose matte over glass.

Summary: Glass screens are a trendy annoyance in today's electronics market: easy to clean, but highly reflective. Sometimes you won't be able to escape having to get an HDTV with one, because it's the only option.

Narrow It Down: Your HDTV "Checklist"

Here's the subjective part: only you'll know what HDTV works best for your purposes...and that goes for size and features. Using all of your new-found knowledge, use this checklist to narrow down the features you need, as well as the features you won't want to miss out on.

Picking the best HDTV for you will have a lot to do with the room your TV is going into, what it is being used for and how it accommodates your budget. Always be mindful for the long-term: choose something you'll be happy with in the long-run, regardless of the fact that the TV market will never stop innovating and evolving.

What Size HDTV Should You Consider? While there are complicated diagrams showing the optimal sized HDTV for an exact room size, 46"-55" is what you'll find to be the most common HDTV range as it fits nicely in most rooms.

Why not measure out 32", 46" and 55" with your tape measure to see what makes the most sense, if you're concerned about getting something too big or too small? Remember, the bigger the screen and the closer it is to the viewing area, the more long-term eye strain you'll have, since you'll constantly be shifting your eyes around.

Resolution: If at all possible, always choose a 1080p over a 720p. If an HDTV is 40" or less, there will be no visible difference between 720p and 1080p: either is fine.

Refresh Rate: HDTVs with higher refresh rates (i.e., 120 Hz) will show fast scenes more smoothly than those with low refresh rates (i.e., 60 Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the better...both for picture quality, and on eye strain. HDTVs with high refresh rates are highly favorable for gaming. Know that 120 Hz is your standard refresh rate for LCD and LED...and 5x that much with plasma due to the nature of plasma screens.

3D TV or Not? 3D is a feature, not a display type...so, your decision when buying a 3DTV is whether you want an LCD, LED, Plasma or Projection with 3D capability. 3DTVs have both a 2D & 3D mode with 2D as good as any other run-of-the-mill HDTV on the market. It's really up to you if you want and will use this feature.

This is still a market in its infancy, that is constantly being improved and updated. If you want to watch movies in 3D, you'll need a BluRay 3D player, as well as movies that are in BluRay 3D format. There are various TV broadcasts in 3D, albeit, not many.

On your right: an LCD HDTV (figure A) and an LED HDTV (figure B). Ok, I'll admit -- it's just sarcasm. They look the same...but, that's the point.

LED, or "Light-Emitting Diode" is a newer feature to be introduced, but is, by no means, a new type of HDTV. It's not an LCD alternative, but an LCD upgrade. Essentically, it is an LCD HDTV using LED backlighting. LED TVs are not exactly 100% "powered by LED" as you'd assume from their marketing descriptions.

In general, LEDs use less power, have a longer lifespan, have a thinner screen, and have a faster response time than fluorescent lighting. There is no noticeable improvement in color, contrast nor lighting with an LED HDTV, and they have the same viewing angle issues. In many cases, LEDs have a more difficult time uniformly displaying brightness across an
image than an LCD HDTV does.

Summary: An "LED HDTV" is an LCD that uses either edge or back-lit LEDs. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an entirely new type of HDTV, but a newer form of technology that typically results in a much thinner screen than LCD, with superior energy efficiency. There is practically no visible difference in quality between an LCD and LED TV.

55" 1080p LED

120 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

3D Capability

No QAM Tuner

The LG 55LW5600 gives you both worlds of LED back-lighting technology and 3D HDTV capability (just make sure you have that 3D Blu-Ray player handy). A major selling point of the 55LW5600 is that it uses conventional (aka "cheap plastic") 3D glasses, and not the $150 ones -- the set even comes with 4 pairs for you. This HDTV is notable for great color balance and shades thanks to its edge-lit LED construction, even in a bright room. Includes interesting features like a motion-sensitive remote, and WiFi connection capability.

LG 55LW5600 55" LED HDTV

46" 1080p LED

240 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

3D Capability

QAM Tuner

This Sony LED stands out in the niche. If you're looking to pay a little more for one of the best HDTVs on the market, this Sony Bravia has the most accurate, deep black levels, color production and shadow detail. A super thin screen is constructed with Gorilla Glass (the same kind used on the iPhone). The XBR-46HX929 was Sony's best performing HDTV of 2011, but don't let its market age fool you. It dual-functions as a 3DTV using "local dimming" (a feature where near/far objects in the picture are dimmed separately to enhance the image) and only uses battery-powered 3D glasses.

Sony XBR-46HX929 46" LED HDTV

55" 1080p LED

120 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

No 3D Capability

No QAM Tuner

Vizio has made the right product at the right price: for under $870 (that's less than most comparable LCDs at this size), this top LED model yields flicker-free Theater 3D, an edge-lit screen with local dimmer, WiFi connection and built-in SRS StudioSound HD sound system. To boot, it's also a Smart TV, with capabilities allowing you to use Netflix, Hulu Plus or any other similar subscription service (not to mention -- the internet itself).

As a nice little bonus, Vizio included 4 pairs of battery-powered glasses with this set. If you were looking for an LED but were shy about their prices and willing to settle for an LCD, consider the Vizio M3D550KDE...and enjoy its 3D capability, too. As imagined, the real incentive of this HDTV is its extremely low price for the fact that you're getting a 3D LED set - and a decent one, at that.

Vizio M3D550KDE 55" LED HDTV

It's one of the oldest HDTV technologies around, aside from Plasma. LCDs started off their career with ugly side-effects, like ghosting (objects leaving "trails" as they traveled across the screen). These days, all of the old issues and quirks have been re-designed and perfected, resulting in the super crisp image that today's LCD HDTVs yield. Due to the introduction of LED (which is a glorified LCD screen), standard LCDs are more affordable than ever.

LCD HDTVs produce an image through pixels, which are broken down into super tiny sub-pixels made of red, green and blue light. These pixels get a filtered white light pushed through them through numerous florescent lamps within the composition of the HDTV, displaying pictures of various shades, brightnesses, and of course, colors. Still the most commonly sold HDTV, LCD HDTVs continue to be improved upon with greater color enhancement, black tones and angle viewing. They're commonly seen with 3D capability and "smart HDTV' functions as a common feature, with QAM tuners in the works of being the new standard.

Summary: LCD is an old technology that's continually modernized and improved upon, making it continue to be a valid choice for a new HDTV. These days, the prices (even on top end LCD HDTVs) continue dropping even with cutting-edge features being added, making these sets a very attractive choice for both the short and long-run.

47" 1080p LCD

120 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

No Smart TV Features

No 3D Capability

QAM Tuner


This CS570 model is the best of 4 LCD TVs from LG, preceded by the CM565, CS560 and CS460. While all four of these models feature 1080p, an "Intelligent Sensor" light optimization feature that calibrates to your room, and an energy saving option that lets you fine-tune brightness attributes through a main menu -- the CS570 and CM565 are the only ones offering the highest contrast ratio (150,000:1), with the CS570 uniquely offering 120 Hz TruMotion blur reduction for high-speed video and ISFccc (Imaging Science Foundation) professional picture calibration to fine tune aspects like black tones and individual colors. Best yet - it's priced under $525 USD, and that's quite possibly the lowest you'll ever find for a 47" of this quality. If you're looking for a nearly identical 3D version of this set (minus the high 120 Hz refresh rate), look toward the CM565.

LG 47CS570 47" LCD HDTV

47" 1080p LCD

120 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

No 3D Capability

No QAM Tuner


For a 47" LCD Smart TV priced under $650 USD, the VIZIO E472VLE has attractive features for its low price range as a full HD set with a 120 Hz refresh rate. As a Smart TV, you'll be able to connect to whatever subscription movie or TV service you have, as well as auto-update the HDTV itself through Vizio's free 'Internet Apps' service. A light sensor adjusts the screen's brightness comparable to your room's current lighting. Due to it being an LCD, it's not going to be as thin as an LED, nor does this particular set have a 3D feature, but for its visual quality rating, refresh rate and Smart features, it's a top contender for a large screen LCD HDTV.

VIZIO E472VLE 47" LCD HDTV

Plasma TVs use thousands of tiny phosphor-coated cells filled with charged ionized gas [plasma] to create their display. One of the oldest technologies: plasma screens used to be criticized for issues including screen burnout -- images remaining "stuck" in the picture, such as numbers/letters -- and "ghosting," or trails following moving objects on the screen.

Today, plasma technology has advanced greatly. Compared to LCD HDTVs, plasma screens generally have a better color spectrum and viewing angle, as well darker black/brighter white rendition and a vastly superior response time.

Plasma TVs have the highest refresh rate compared to any other technology, including LCD or LED, typically reaching numbers such as 600 Hz (that's 5x the refresh rate of an LCD HDTV). They also make ideal choices for gamers, although you'll only find plasmas with screen sizes at 40" and up.

Summary: Plasma HDTVs have a more fluid appearance than LCD/LED screens. Due to their stunningly high refresh rates, they're an awesome choice for anyone with a gaming console. However, they're far less energy efficient than both LCDs and LEDs.

50" 1080p Plasma

600 Hz Effective Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

No 3D Capability

QAM Tuner

For just about $700 USD, this January 2013-released plasma from Panasonic hits on all of the want-to-have features reviewed in this guide: 1080P HD resolution, 600 Hz refresh rate, smart TV functions for Netflix, Hulu Plus & Amazon Prime subscribers, a QAM tuner, compatibility with your smartphone or tablet and USB thumb drive connectivity. If you plan on going "all Panasonic" with peripherals, this plasma comes with Viera Link - a feature that interconnects all devices using one remote.

For quality enthusiasts, this plasma has deep black levels and naturally superior motion rendering due to its refresh rate. This is by all means a budget set -- that is, it has no 3D capability. However, you probably won't find a more feature-packed plasma at this price tag and 50" screen size.

Panasonic TC-P50S60 50" Plasma TV

60" 1080p Plasma

600 Hz Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

3D Capability

QAM Tuner

For under $1,300: this 60" plasma HDTV from Samsung is designed to eliminate blur and glare from other objects (or sunlight coming through your windows). It doubles as a 3DTV with a 600 Hz refresh rate -- an asset that you'll only see in plasmas.

The PN60E550 is celebrated for its deep black tones, crystal clear picture and minimal screen reflection.

Samsung constructed this HDTV with their "Plasma Plus One" design, giving an extra inch to screen-size by creating a narrower outer frame. Its .001ms response time nearly eliminates motion blur entirely, and the set has optimized audio with SRS TheaterSound speaker technology. It is a 3DTV as well, using active (battery-powered) glasses.

Samsung PN60E550 60" Plasma HDTV

55" 1080p Plasma

600 Hz Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

3D Capability

QAM Tuner

The VT50 was Panasonic's top-of-the-line 3D Plasma in 2012, and has only become more desirable with its price drop in 2013. Part of the highly-rated, highly-respected Viera TC-PVT series of Plasmas by Panasonic, the TC-P55VT50 is arguably one of the best HDTVs on the market today in terms of picture quality, color representation, features, and the overall cost compared to competing models. The "VT" model sits at the top of the Viera line, which spans six separate models from the U (low end) to the VT (high end). As with many plasmas these days, the TC-P55VT50 has full HD 3D capability and Smart TV functions via Panasonic's "Viera Connect," which can be used via remote or tablet PC. Models from the "VT" series are designed with one sheet of glass with a metallic trim, doing away with the spare inch or so of plastic that most other HDTVs have as a border.

There's a ton of other improvements from the previous models in this series, from improved black levels to an auto-sensing calibrator, and even a weird feature you can play around with that converts 2D pictures to 3D. Overall, it's a very new-fashioned HDTV with an unbeatable picture, priced just a little over the mid-$1000 range.

Panasonic TC-P55VT50 55" Plasma HDTV

55" 1080p Plasma

600 Hz Refresh Rate

Smart TV Features

3D Capability

QAM Tuner


It would be hard for any competitor to go up against Panasonic's 55" plasma 3D TV, the TC-P55ST50: it's priced just right at under $1,350.

This is a middle-of-the-line model in the Viera series (the "ST" line - two levels below the plasma listed above: the VT50), but still - be sure to expect an amazing picture, deep black shades and great performance in a well-lit room (improved since the previous model) with the wonderful 600 Hz refresh rate you'd expect from a plasma. The only difference between this model and its top counterpart is that it has one less HDMI and USB port, it doesn't come with a touchpad controller, and is not THX3D certified.

Panasonic made four different sized models of this TV: find it as a 50", 55", 60" or 65", depending on your preference. The only downside - it doesn't come with a pair of active shutter glasses, you'll need to get a pair separately.

Panasonic TC-P55ST50 55" Plasma HDTV

There's one main reason why someone would consider a projection TV: they want a mammoth-sized screen. Projection TVs, on the consumer market, typically reach sizes up to 82" or 92". They use a projector to magnify an image onto their screen.

DLP or "Digital Light Processing" is a rear projection technology for projection TVs. DLP sets are immune from screen burn-in & color decay, and able to represent high speed images without ghosting or blurring effects that other television technologies suffer from. They are known to have excellent color and grayscale representation.

Projection TVs, in general, do not enjoy the same crispness of an LCD or plasma. Another major downfall is that their lamp needs periodic replacing, which can cost $100 to $300+.

If you're going for a Projection, a DLP model should be considered a worthy investment for its long life, great color quality and slim size. Non DLP projection screens (figure "A" to your upper-right) suffer from motion blurring, where as DLP sets (figure "B") show a crisp image during high motion. Mitsubishi continues to dominate the projection TV market. Also, be aware that these TVs are not wall mountable.

Summary: People who buy rear-projection HDTVs do so because they want a mammoth sized screen at the sacrifice of picture quality. It's the most cost-efficient way to own a gigantic screen, well over 70". If you're looking for a projection HDTV, look for a DLP Projection TV due to their enhanced picture quality and life span.

73" Projection TV

DLP

120 Hz Sub-Frame Rate

3D Capability

This rear projection HDTV from Mitsubishi is not only the best bang-for-the-buck large screen TV around, but its DLP technology is incredible. Capable of viewing in both 2D and 3D modes, you'll be ready for 3D Blu-Ray, gaming and 3D broadcasting. Its response rate is approximately 1,000x faster than LCD, according to the manufacturer. This DLP HDTV receives digital cable and DTV broadcasts, and uses a 6-color processing system to display super crisp, accurate colors from broadcast and otherwise. If you intend to get this set for 3D purposes, remember that you'll need to purchase the glasses separately!

Mitsubishi WD73642 73" Projection TV

73" Projection TV

DLP

120 Hz Sub-Frame Rate

3D Capability

Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line 742 DLP series feature all of the specifications of the previous 642 line, but include an built-in 3D IR emitter for active shutter 3D glasses, Vudu apps, an adapter for wireless internet, a unique app that will turn an iPhone, iPad or iPod into a remote control, and remote desktop connectivity. This TV's 6-color process takes conventional RGB colors and also adds cyan, yellow & magenta as individually processed colors for a more vivid picture. Additionally, it uses the same DLP technology that powers 3D cinema screens.These 742 DLP sets come in 73", 82" and 92" versions - with the 92" (WD-92742) being the largest 3D TV on the market.

Mitsubishi WD73742 73" Projection TV

HDMI or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" cables act as a replacement of the old RCA cables (those cables with three male ends: red, yellow and white).

It's a single-ended cable, and all you need to know is that it really transmits the full potential of your gaming console or Blu-Ray player to your television.

Today's HDTVs all include at least one HDMI cable input slot,. Look for it on the back of your HDTV, and connect it to your Blu-Ray player, or your PlayStation (or other console). It's as simple as that. If you don't already have one, make sure your cable company gave you an HDMI cable box. If not...demand it!

The difference between HDMI and RCA cables are like the difference between a pair of old and new eyeglasses - you'll never go back to RCA again! Pick up an HDMI cable for under $5, for your Blu-Ray player & game console!

The biggest mistake you could ever make is to spend $60 on a name brand HDMI cable, like the ones Monster Cable makes. It's an utter waste of money, since a cheap cable that costs under $5 will perform just as well, last just as long, and save you significant cash.

(If you will be using an HDTV that does *not* have a cable connection, you'll want to read this!) So, you've gotten that new HDTV, plugged it in, and see a wonderful screen that says "NO SIGNAL!" Yes, that's right. You can't simply plug a TV in the wall and flip channels like the good old days - you actually need an HDTV antenna, like it or not.

A great high-end indoor antenna is the Winegard FL-5000 FlatWave (MSRP $50). Winegard is by far the best manufacturer of digital TV antennas. This one has a 15-foot cable, great near & far range, and best yet - it's smaller and thinner than a mouse pad, and can easily be stored anywhere behind your HDTV.

Note: There are also HDTV antennas that can be mounted outside of your house, although an indoor one is more than capable of serving your purposes.

Small HDTVs

Add television to a room that never had one before: how about an HDTV that can fit on the kitchen counter top...or, right next to your PC screen? There's no doubt that it isn't easy to find a smaller HDTV (that is, an HDTV that's under 20"), although they do exist. Best of all, they don't even need a digital converter box! Just plug in an antenna, and you're good to go.

Thanks to HDMI, you can direct-connect your laptop to your HDTV and use the TV as a monitor. It's the best way to show pictures, videos, websites, PowerPoint presentations or anything else to a room full of people. Some even use it to play emulated video games on their HDTV by also hooking up a gamepad to their laptop.

All HDTVs from around the mid 2000s onward have an HDMI connector, and the same goes for laptops. (simply check to see if your laptop has the connector). If you're going to use your laptop further away from the TV, be sure to get one of the longest HDMI cables available.

An HDTV isn't a good substitute for a real monitor if things like color accuracy are of major concern; so, don't even consider one if you're intending to use it for graphic design or video editing.